There’s a large spot at the front of my house underneath an awning that doesn’t get any direct sunlight (except for in the early morning hours). And I’d really like to add some foundational shrubs to grow against the side of the house. I’ve considered just filling the whole space with boxwood. The problem is that I’d like to have something colorful and pretty there too.

Does anyone know of any mounding / shrub-like periennials that:

  1. Thrive in the shade
  2. Can tolerate cold winters
  3. Bloom

( any and all advice would be appreciated! )

  • dumples@midwest.socialEnglish
    1·
    4 hours ago

    Whenever I don’t know what I want to plant I consult my local university. Since I am in Minnesota it should be similar to your zone which has a great section about planting in the shade. Check your own or see what we have here.

    Its mostly azaleas, dogwoods and hydrangea but there are other options. Take a look and pick something fun

  • reattach@lemmy.worldEnglish
    9·
    2 days ago

    I grow azalea and rhododendron in shady areas - they seem to do well. The ones in partial shade do better than the ones in full shade, though. I’m zone 7a.

    Hydrangea and Rose of Sharon may also grow in partial shade.

      • reattach@lemmy.worldEnglish
        3·
        21 hours ago

        I see you’re in zone 3b - that might be too cold for azalea. Definitely check the specific species’ requirements before buying.

        Good luck!

    • Drusas@fedia.io
      4·
      2 days ago

      Rhododendrons and azaleas are the way to go. Just make sure to look up which varieties you’re getting so that you know if it can thrive in full shade. Some like more sun than others.

      • Semisimian@startrek.websiteEnglish
        2·
        6 hours ago

        Azalea, hellebores, and sarcococca that have been suggested won’t survive in your zone. There are some rhododendron that can survive, and those might be your best bet.

  • cleanandsunny@literature.cafeEnglish
    4·
    2 days ago

    I am a flower freak, so I would just plant a ton of hellebores. That is what I’ve done with a very shady spot in my backyard, and now I have hundreds of blooms I can cut from and bring inside from January to April. They are never going to be super tall, but they are massive now! I also have hydrangeas (including oak leaf, which give pretty autumn foliage), astilbe, heuchera, sanguisorba, ferns, and rhododendrons in shade, as others have mentioned.

  • Torynn@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    2 days ago

    Sarcococca

    It grows in partial to full shade, you can shape it (evergreen) the dwarf version doesn’t grow tall. It’s flowers, particularly Dwarf Sweet Box (Sarcococca humilis) and Winter Gem (Sarcococca hookeriana), are known for their fragrant blooms reminiscent of jasmine and honeysuckle

    Can be grown in a cold zone like 4.

  • 10001110101@lemm.eeEnglish
    2·
    2 days ago

    I have Berberis Repens in full shade where almost nothing else will grow. Hasn’t bloomed yet though. Google says it’s good down to USDA zone 5. I think there are more ornamental Berberis species and hybrids that may work too.